ARKX vs SCHD
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $760M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.12% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.37% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.18% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.60% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ARKX vs SCHD Performance
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ARKX returned +30.37% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, ARKX is up 16.12% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, ARKX compounded at +34.18% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.60% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +10.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.3% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -43.6% for ARKX and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKX charges 0.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $6 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKX currently yields 0.00% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ARKX and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 135 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ARKX | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMT | 0.99% | 2.99% | 2.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ARKX or SCHD?
ARKX has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKX or SCHD?
Over the past year ARKX returned +30.37% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ARKX annualized +10.58% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKX or SCHD?
ARKX has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ARKX -43.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ARKX and SCHD?
ARKX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKX and SCHD?
ARKX and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 135 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKX or SCHD?
ARKX yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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